Residents of Montego Hills at Kingsholme on Gold Coast fight to save estate sign

Residents of a new Gold Coast community have fallen in love with the sign and want it to remain as a landmark.

A NEW community in the Gold Coast’s north is in a fight with the council to save its unique landmark.

More than 200 residents are lobbying City Hall for the 2m-high Montego sign on a lot overlooking the Montego Hills estate in Kingsholme to stay.

Under an agreement between the Gold Coast City Council and developers of the Villawood estate, the sign, on council land, was allowed to remain until development was fully completed.

But residents say they have fallen in love with the sign and want it to remain as a landmark for the area.

Montego Hills residents at their estate's beloved landmark.

“For most of the people who have built homes here it has been something that we are really proud of,” resident Anna McMaster said.

“We are only a new community but are really close and driven. I know a sign doesn’t change a sense of community, but it does add to it.

MORE NEWS

Masked youths plaster Gold Coast school with graffiti

Teen in serious condition after nearly drowning

Shock video: Airborne car smashes into bowser

“For most of us it is a point of difference and gives us a sense of warmth when we drive home.”

Area councillor Mark Hammel said he was supportive of the push to keep the sign, although the agreed removal date was some time off.

“It was raised as an issue during the election campaign and I have quite a few residents who get in contact,” he said.

“People are proud to live in their area in the north of the Gold Coast, so it’s something I will take to council.

“The council still holds a bond from the developer to ensure it is removed … so there will have to be some sort of handover arrangement,” the councillor said.

The petition was launched last week. Mr Hammel, who had previously been critical of the Yatala Gateway sign on the M1, said the Montego landmark was the “type of sign that should be kept on the Gold Coast”.

Originally published as Residents of Montego Hills at Kingsholme on Gold Coast fight to save estate sign